Jr. Lifeguard - Chinatown Y

YMCA of Greater San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Jr. Lifeguard at the YMCA of Greater San Francisco ensures the safety of the pool and surrounding areas, responding to emergencies and maintaining cleanliness.

You will support youth development and healthy living through active supervision and public engagement within an indoor aquatic setting. Responsibilities include enforcing rules, performing safety checks, and assisting with documentation while upholding the YMCA mission and values in a community-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Lifeguard certification and CPR/First Aid required.
• Minimum age 16 or older.
• Vision and hearing abilities as specified in job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain full attention on the pool and ensure safe supervision.
• Enforce pool rules and manage emergency responses.
• Perform opening duties and ensure pool safety and cleanliness.
• Record safety checks and pool conditions; assist with incident reporting.
• Engage with staff and members to promote a welcoming environment.

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

CPR for the Professional Rescuer

First aid certification

Minimum age 16

Job description

• Base Pay $19.50 - $20.00 / Hour
• Job Category Aquatics
• Employee Type Hourly - Part Time

Description

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and
communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization
dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and
social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we
offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your
community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing
some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim
to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth &
Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a
safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to
participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we
respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity &
Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent
dignity in all individuals.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old – Cannot guard alone, must have 18+ lifeguard
  present.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
• Current American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO) [best
  practice is to renew annually]
• Current ARC First aid certification
• Meets minimal physical requirement of the job description.
• 20/20 vision or corrected 20/40 vision.
• The ability to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment,
  including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, with or
  without reasonable accommodation.
• The ability to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• Availability for early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends
• Ability to work effectively with members, staff, and volunteers

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages.

Summary

Position Summary

The Jr. Lifeguard position ensures the safety of the pool and surrounding areas and
responds appropriately to emergencies. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the
pool area, including the office, equipment room, and deck. Demonstrates a positive,
approachable, and professional attitude towards members and staff. Upholds the values and
mission of the YMCA by supporting programs that promote youth development, healthy
living, and social responsibility.

Job Responsibilities

Safety and Supervision

• Maintain full attention on the pool and its occupants at all times.
• Enforce all pool rules consistently, including regulating lap lanes to ensure swimmers
  are in appropriate lanes and fostering an inclusive environment for all swimmers.
• Provide support during emergency situations to ensure proper care, notification of
  emergency contacts, and activation of the branch chain of command.
• Complete additional opening tasks, such as testing Emergency Response systems,
  ensuring proper chemistry for safe opening of swimming pools, and unlocking all
  doors to ensure ADA access.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain the aquatics equipment and areas, including the office and supply areas,
  with a strong focus on cleanliness and safety.
• Report any facility problems or concerns to management, including issues with
  rescue equipment, fitness equipment, and other pool environmental concerns.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Record chemical readings, water temperature, pool inspections, accident/incident
  reports, participant statistics, and other details as instructed by your supervisor.

Professionalism and Preparedness

• Arrive on time for your shift, wearing the required uniform and having rescue
  equipment ready for use in case of an emergency or drill.
• Commit to working your scheduled shifts as outlined in the scheduling policy or find
  substitutes unless otherwise directed by your supervisor.
• Complete all required training and re-certifications in a timely manner.

Member Engagement and Communication

• Promote the YMCA’s Aquatics programming and familiarize yourself with the offerings
  available to members.
• Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage with
  members and participants and effectively manage conflicts.
• Create a welcoming environment by greeting members and learning their names.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The Jr. Lifeguard position involves working primarily within an indoor aquatic facility, with
occasional duties at an outdoor pool, ensuring the safety of all pool users. The role requires
constant vigilance to monitor the pool area and its occupants, with a focus on responding
promptly to emergencies.
The Jr. Lifeguard is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization within the pool
area, including the office, equipment room, and deck. The position demands physical
stamina for enforcing safety rules, managing emergencies, and maintaining a safe
environment. This includes the ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
The Jr. Lifeguard must demonstrate a positive, approachable, and professional attitude while
interacting with a diverse group of members and staff. The position requires adherence to
safety protocols, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part
of a team. Exposure to varying weather conditions may occur when working at the outdoor
pool. The role also requires the ability to perform lifeguarding duties, including water
rescues and administering first aid as needed.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and
  employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable
  accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment
  opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise
  qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you
  have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform
  other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be
  modified by management as needed.

Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider
qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Jr. Lifeguard position offers a compensation range of $19.50 - $20.00 per hour. This
rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund
approvals and requirements for the position.